Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | April 5
Making organic food more easily accessible to citizens of Kohima, Eden Farm’s Organic Food Truck, loaded with fresh produce from the farm as well as from other local farmers, today made its first stop at Lower AG Colony Kohima. Thanks to the unique initiative, residents of several colonies can now enjoy these local produce without having to travel far.
The Food Truck stores a wide range of vegetables including cabbage, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, beans, banana stem, garlic, ginger, a variety of green leafy vegetables and fruits, also promulgating the healthy aspect. The concept of ‘Organic Food’ on wheels came about as part of Youth Net’s “Impact 5000 by 18” that aims to promote and encourage local entrepreneurs.
Under this project, Lezo Putsure, Director of Youth Net said several other initiatives involving local farmers and entrepreneurs have been undertaken and meanwhile termed the opening of the food truck as “significant”. He commended Rekha Rose Dukru, Entrepreneur & Co-proprietor of Eden Farm while stating that most people want white collared jobs today, but she and her entire family have committed themselves to farming, setting a much needed example.
He was hopeful that tomorrow, more young people can follow in their footsteps and take up such an enterprise. He strongly felt that if we don’t encourage youths to do business like this, the situation in the state will get worse 10 years down the line and further stated belief that the Food Truck is the beginning of many good things.
Defying the popular notion of most people who consider farming as insignificant, Entrepreneur & Co-proprietor of Eden Farm, Rekha Rose Dukru asserted that the source of food is farming and everybody eventually ends up spending their money on food. She strongly stated that our young people need to understand this and went on to say that, “even if we are not able to do big businesses, we can take up farming.”
She was of the opinion that “even if 200-300 of our local youths venture into vegetable business, it’s not enough for a place like Kohima.” Through this food truck initiative, she also hoped that it would encourage more young people to take up vegetable business. “Encourage local products, think organic, and think of the health aspect, too”, she added.
The Eden Farm’s Organic Food Truck was formally inaugurated by Kovi Meyase, Administrator of Kohima Municipal Council this morning, who termed it as a “noble initiative” and the “need of the hour.” While also observing that there are so many services that are yet to reach our people, he exuded hope that they can access to the inaccessible areas. “It’s as good as door to door service”, he added.
He also shared two of his major concerns, namely, pricing and license. Stating that out of 100%, 90% of our people live hand to mouth, he emphasized that pricing has to be made affordable for the 90% and not just cater to the 10%. In the meantime, the Administrator urged upon them to look into the licensing aspect.
Further congratulating Youth Net and Rekha Rose Dukru of Eden Farm, he said, “only a vibrant group like Youth Net can come up with something like this.” He stated his belief that the venture will flower into an important and mighty project.
The chairman of Lower AG Colony, Akhrieo Sorhie also spoke on the occasion and assured his full support on the venture. “This will be a success, we are with you”, he said. The programme was earlier chaired by Anini Nyenga, Project Manager, Youth Net Impact 5000 by 18.
Timings: 7:00 am to 10:00 am Mondays and Saturdays – Minister’s Hill Tuesdays and Thursdays - Upper Agri Wednesdays and Fridays - AG Colony Secretariat Parking: Afternoons (Monday- Saturday)
